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Vic 'constitutional crisis' unresolved

Jamie Duncan and Megan Neil

Victoria has been thrust into an "unprecedented constitutional crisis" with the coalition losing the support of balance-of-power MP Geoff Shaw.

Opposition Leader Daniel Andrews has resisted seizing on Mr Shaw's offer to back Labor in a no confidence motion to bring the government down - but he also hasn't ruled it out.

He instead wants Premier Denis Napthine to go with him on Wednesday to seek the advice of Governor Alex Chernov in a bid to resolve what he says is a crisis without precedent.

But it's unclear whether Mr Chernov can in fact resolve the impasse, meaning parliament's next sitting day next is shaping as the day the political tactics play out.

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With former Speaker Ken Smith's support, Labor is set to push to have Mr Shaw found in contempt of parliament for misusing his parliamentary vehicle, which could lead to the Frankston MP's expulsion.

In a bid to turn the tables Mr Shaw declared earlier on Tuesday he would be prepared to back a Labor no confidence motion in the government.

Dr Napthine responded by revealing Mr Shaw had demanded an absolute assurance from the government that the parliament would not seek to sanction him further after a privileges committee investigation found he breached the MP code of conduct.

Dr Napthine said he had not acceded to previous demands from Mr Shaw either, including him seeking a particular judicial appointment.

"That is outrageous, that is extreme, that is ludicrous, that is not tolerated by me as premier and it would not be tolerated by the people of Victoria," he said on Tuesday night.

"And we say no to Mr Shaw, we say no to his outrageous demands and we will not be held to ransom by Mr Shaw and his antics."

Mr Shaw accused the government of encouraging Mr Smith to cross the floor and support Labor's move to find him in contempt of parliament.

"I have sought out assurances from the premier that this will not be allowed to happen so that I can serve out my term for the people of Frankston," Mr Shaw told ABC Radio.

"This assurance hasn't been given, and really I don't trust (the coalition) any more, and I will support a no-confidence motion in the premier and the government."

Mr Andrews said he will still push to have Mr Shaw found in contempt of parliament on Tuesday next week.

"There's no reason whatsoever why we should delay the parliament considering Geoff Shaw's contempt, his appalling behaviour and levying a penalty against Mr Shaw."

Mr Andrews said Labor will still pass the government's budget but sidestepped questions on whether he'll accept Mr Shaw's support on the no confidence motion or any other issues before the November 29 election.

He said he wouldn't be talking to Mr Shaw.

"Tonight and the coming days are not for political gamesmanship. It is not a time for partisan issues," he said.

"This is an opportunity to get the advice we so desperately need from the governor. It's an opportunity to put the interests of our state first, and that's what I intend to do."

It's believed Dr Napthine had intended to visit Bendigo on Wednesday.

The Liberal-turned-independent Mr Shaw holds the balance of power in the Legislative Assembly, with the coalition holding 44 seats and Labor 43.